19:05 | Chiclayo, nov. 14.
During his meeting with the Catholic community of the Zaña district, in the Chiclayo province of the Lambayeque region, Pope Leo XIV recalled his previous experiences in this town from the years he lived in Peru before his election as Supreme Pontiff, and expressed his gratitude for the welcome he has always received there.
"Thank you for welcoming me with the joy and hospitality that characterize you, for so many gestures of affection, and also for the delicious food you have prepared for me with such care," the Supreme Pontiff said upon arriving at the Sanctuary of Saint Toribio de Mogrovejo.
On his journey to this location—which began in the city of Chiclayo—the vehicle carrying the Supreme Pontiff passed through the Chiclayo districts of Chosica del Norte and Reque. Along the way, numerous local residents gathered along the route to greet him enthusiastically.
Upon arriving at the sanctuary, Pope Leo XIV stepped out of his vehicle; as he moved toward the entrance, a group of very young children ran up to greet him. The Supreme Pontiff welcomed their hugs with a smile, responding with gestures of affection.
Concern for those who suffer
During his address to the members of the Catholic community of Zaña, Leo XIV also spoke of the legacy and example of Saint Toribio de Mogrovejo, and called for special attention to be given to those who, having been harmed by negative actions, are in need of support and understanding.
"It pains me to think of those who live in fear, of people who see the honest fruits of their labor threatened, and of those who still suffer from discrimination," noted the Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church in this context.
In this regard, the Holy Father affirmed that he always keeps in mind those who suffer due to the actions of individuals operating outside the law.
"I hold them in my prayers and ask the Lord to grant them the peace they so desperately need," he expressed.
"I know that many families in this land suffer because of crime, extortion, and insecurity," he emphasized.
Against this backdrop, the Pope also issued a call to avoid indifference toward such situations.
"I urge you to remain united, to look out for one another, and never to become accustomed to the suffering of others," he stressed.
"There is always someone we can help, someone to listen to, a family to accompany," he added.
The enduring legacy of Saint Turibius
The Pope’s meeting with the Catholic community of Zaña took place as part of the closing of the Jubilee Year of Saint Turibius of Mogrovejo.
The event was held at the sanctuary dedicated to this figure, who was recently designated by the Peruvian State as the Patron of Human Rights in the country.
In this context, the Pope noted that the example Saint Turibius set through his life and actions as a missionary should lead us "to also look at the needs of our own time."
He therefore urged the religious community to follow the example left by this missionary, allowing the Gospel—just as it did for him—to shape their own lives.
"Nurture your daily friendship with Jesus Christ, celebrate the sacraments with love and reverence, and always remain close to the people who have been entrusted to your care," the Pope said to the religious community gathered around him.
More from Andina:
(END) FGM/CCR / MDV
Published: 11/14/2026